Portfolio Operations Manager

Due to an internal promotion, we’re looking for a Portfolio Operations Manager to join QIC Real Estate in Melbourne. Reporting to Carly Xerri, Head of National Operations, you’ll become part of a high-performing team that genuinely enjoys what they do, works collaboratively and takes pride in delivering great outcomes across our Victorian retail portfolio.

This is an opportunity to bring your operational expertise, commercial thinking and fresh ideas to a role where innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement are actively encouraged.

About the Role
As Portfolio Operations Manager, you’ll provide operational leadership, advice and support across a portfolio of retail assets, helping our centres operate safely, efficiently and sustainably. You’ll work closely with centre teams, investment management, fund management, development partners, retailers, contractors and other stakeholders to improve performance and deliver portfolio-wide initiatives. The role combines strategic planning with hands-on delivery, giving you the opportunity to influence how our assets operate today and evolve for the future.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the preparation of annual operational plans, capital expenditure programs and longer-term capital budgets

• Managing contracts in line with procurement requirements and ensuring services deliver strong commercial outcomes

• Identifying and implementing cost efficiencies across the portfolio

• Leading operational initiatives relating to energy, water, waste, recycling and sustainability

• Supporting asset due diligence, operating expense reviews, benchmarking and capital planning

• Providing operational input into development and redevelopment planning

• Delivering national and portfolio-wide projects in partnership with centre operations teams

• Supporting the onboarding and development of centre Operations Managers

• Maintaining strong operational governance, reporting, compliance and record keeping

• Building collaborative relationships with internal teams, retailers, contractors and external stakeholders

• Identifying new technology, systems and processes that improve operational performance

  QIC Real Estate takes an active, innovative, disciplined and hands-on approach to property management, with technology, innovation and strategic cost initiatives central to the operations function. 

About You
You’re an experienced retail property operations professional who understands what it takes to keep complex shopping centre environments running smoothly.
Commercially minded and naturally curious, you look beyond the immediate issue to find practical, sustainable solutions. You’re comfortable working across multiple assets and priorities, and you know how to balance strategic thinking with the operational detail required to deliver. 
You enjoy being part of a capable and positive team, but you’re equally confident taking ownership and working independently. Most importantly, you bring credibility, sound judgement and the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders at every level.
You’ll also bring:

• A proactive and solutions-focused approach

• Strong commercial and financial capability

• The confidence to challenge existing practices and introduce better ways of working

• A collaborative leadership style

• The ability to influence without relying solely on authority

• Strong organisation and attention to detail

• Clear and professional written and verbal communication

• A genuine interest in innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement

Essential Criteria
To be successful in this role, you must have:

• Significant operations management experience within retail property or shopping centres

• Previous experience in a portfolio, national operations or senior operations management position

• Strong knowledge of retail asset operations, facilities management, service contracts and operational expenditure

• Demonstrated project management capability, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

• Proven safety leadership and sound knowledge of relevant workplace health and safety legislation

• Experience working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders

• Strong numeracy, budgeting and financial analysis skills

• The ability to read and interpret construction drawings and lease plans

• Proven leadership capability

• Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office, SharePoint and database systems

• A highly organised approach with meticulous record keeping

• The ability to attend after-hours events when required

The position description also identifies self-sufficiency, initiative, adaptability, stakeholder management, safety leadership and strong communication as essential capabilities for the role. 

Desired Criteria
The following would be highly regarded:

• Experience delivering or supporting a major redevelopment within a leading regional shopping centre

• Extensive experience managing operations within major or regional shopping centres

• Tertiary qualifications in property, facilities management, engineering, construction or another related discipline

• PCA Diploma of Shopping Centre Management

• Experience implementing technology-led operational improvements

• Exposure to energy efficiency, waste reduction, recycling, solar, LED or broader sustainability programs

If you’re looking for a role where you can make an impact, bring new ideas to the table and work alongside a high-performing team that enjoys what they do, we’d love to hear from you.

A Note to Recruitment Agencies
QIC is managing recruitment for this position directly and will not be accepting agency submissions.
All interested candidates should apply directly or contact Cassandra Eshman, Talent Partner, for a confidential discussion. Unsolicited candidate profiles submitted by recruitment agencies will not be considered.